The Chiefs won 46–10 against the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato and moved to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table.

Both teams kicked early penalties. Then, Chiefs winger Leroy Carter made a long run and passed to Emoni Narawa, who scored the first try. The Highlanders answered with a try from Sosefo Kautai after a break by fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. The score was 10–10.

The Chiefs kicked another penalty and led 13–10 at halftime. They had more of the ball and kept the Highlanders busy defending.

In the second half, the Chiefs scored five tries. Carter scored after a smart kick from Quinn Tupaea. Kaylum Boshier scored twice, once from a rolling maul and once after a pass from Brodie McAlister. Damian McKenzie kicked across the field to Samipeni Finau, who scored another try.

McKenzie also kicked five conversions and two penalties. Carter and Narawa played well on the wings. Boshier’s two tries showed the strength of the Chiefs’ forwards.

The Highlanders made mistakes in the second half and could not score. Captain Hugh Renton said, “They played better than us in the second half. They made us make mistakes and get tired.”

The Chiefs will play the Western Force next. The Highlanders will play the Crusaders